TOP drivers are to tackle a special race at Castle Coombe next month in memory of Dave Allan, the Honda test driver who died in a crash last year.

In July 2012, the 47-year-old, of North Swindon, died when a car he was testing crashed at the Millbrook proving ground, in Bedfordshire, the centre for trialling new vehicles.

He was a key member of Synchro motorsport, formed in 1994 for Swindon’s Honda employees to develop their technical skills, and the team is organising the Dave Allan Trophy Pursuit Race as part of the Castle Combe Circuit’s Wessex Chambers Summer Championship Races, which takes place from June 15 to 16.

As well as his car development, Dave was known and respected for his racing skills, so Honda says it was keen to create a lasting memory and legacy for the former British Touring Car Championship driver, who raced many times at the circuit.

Working with the Castle Combe Racing Club, a unique two-driver race has been devised, in the style of the Britcar endurance events.

Organisers say the memorial race is attracting entries from frontrunners in the Britcar championship, as well as GT and sportscars from many other disciplines.

Alex Trebilco, a mechanic at Synchro motorsport, said the team thought it a fitting tribute to someone so involved in motorsport.

She said: “It’s really just to honour our team mate and good friend, who was a big part of our team, and we just want to be able to commemorate him.

“We just want to do it in his memory, as a tribute to him.

“The family are on board. Hopefully they’re going to be presenting the trophy at the end of the race.”

As well as the Dave Allan race, which takes place on Sunday, June 16, there will be a full supporting programme including rounds four and five of the Castle Coombe championships for Formula Ford, Saloons and Sports and GTs.

Honda, which last week announced its return to Formula One with the McLaren team in 2015, will create a ‘village’ at the circuit for the weekend.

This will feature a championship winning BTCC Civic and a special edition ‘Team Dynamics’ concept Civic.

From the two-wheeled world will be the Honda TT Legends Superbike ridden by Steve Plater, the Senior TT winner and one of the few riders to have lapped the TT circuit at over 130mph.

It is also hoped one of the Honda ‘Power of Dreams’ Formula One cars, as driven by Jenson Button, will also make an appearance.

Grant Larking, owner of the Advanced Sign Factory, in Royal Wootton Bassett, a sponsor of Synchro motorsport, said the special race was a good idea.

“I think people are just racing because they want to take part in the race in his memory. Of course they’re going to be out there to win, but everyone is aware it’s primarily for his memory.”

For further information, visit the Castle Combe circuit online at www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk, Facebook or Twitter.

The inquest into Mr Allan’s death will be on Tuesday, June 11.